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"But nevertheless, it is important that Australian leaders travel and meet as appropriate because no one should underestimate our actual and potential influence in the wider world."

Mr Abbott also slammed Mr Rudd when he returned to the prime ministership in 2013 for taking a quick trip to Indonesia and considering a trip to Russia.

"I think he wants to campaign for the prime ministership of this country from the front of a 747," he said.

"I don’t think the Australian public are going to really warm to that but I think that’s the temptation before him now, to not only be Kevin 747 but maybe Kevin A380 and spend most of the next few months out of the country."

A Labor spokesperson told the AFR that it would not comment on Mr Abbott's schedule and said the Coalition had been wrong to pillory Mr Rudd for his overseas travel.